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Springvale Learning at the Heart of the Community – Standing in Support of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights

On Saturday 5th August, Springvale staff and their families, took part in the Belfast Pride Parade, which is the largest cross community parade and the one of the key events in the City’s tourism calendar. Springvale Learning – #TeamSL – was pleased to walk in solidarity and show its support for equality, diversity and human rights for all.

#TeamSL also took part in the Feile an Phobail Carnival Parade on Sunday 6th August, celebrating with the people of West Belfast and tourists from all over the world – handing out balloons and sweets to families who had come out in support of the Feile, despite the rain!

Springvale Learning is also one of the proud sponsors of the Feile and is involved in several events during the festivities, including on Friday 11th August, at the UB40 concert, where #TeamSL are hosting a selfie booth, giving concert goers the opportunity to grab their friends for a keepsake selfie photograph for a very small fee, with all proceeds to the Student Support Fund, which helps the most disadvantaged of our learners.

The Springvale Selfie Booth will also be making an appearance at the Ortus Family Fun Day on Saturday 12th August providing free photographs for all visitors to enjoy. Young children at the Family fun Day will also be given the opportunity to get their hair styled as well as express their creative side at the Springvale arts and crafts table in the Springvale marquee. There might even be some balloons and sweets up for grabs for the best behaved and the most creative – which is not necessarily mutually exclusive!

Director of Business Development, Veronica Morris, who heads up the Community engagement initiatives explains:

“Springvale Learning was set up almost 25 years ago, to create employment and training opportunities for the most disadvantaged in our communities – particularly for young people – and to be a resource for the community to be together in a safe, inclusive space; and to learn, interact and build positive relationships.

It’s very important to us to visibly demonstrate that ethos and to that end it’s been a busy summer for the team, with the Novena in June, Pride and Feile Carnival parades and events, as well as hosting the Clonard Summer Scheme in partnership with Clonard Residents’ Association. We also look forward to a busy Autumn working with various partners to deliver an inclusive schedule of events and activities – including the launch of classes for the local community; a community arts programme and exhibition space; various projects working with local women’s groups, schools, and older people in interface areas; and then we have our 25th birthday celebrations in November so it’s all go!”

We would encourage everyone in the community to get involved, enjoy the craic, and maybe meet a few new friends along the way’.

For more information on Springvale Learning’s Community Engagement Programme, contact Rebecca on 028 90242362 or email info@springvalelearning.com